Breast Cancer & Physical Therapy

About one in eight U.S. women will develop an invasive form of breast cancer in their lifetime, and over 260,000 women will be diagnosed with new cases in 2018 alone. Whether it’s a mother, cousin, sister, or friend, most of us know someone who has battled this disease. Diagnosis and treatment are better than ever, and as a result, there are over 3 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today.

Physical therapy plays a significant role in helping those survivors return to their prior level of function. A mastectomy or reconstruction can leave women with limitations with shoulder and arm movement, swelling (lymphedema), and overall arm function. Some reconstructive surgeries can affect the back or abdominal areas as well. Physical therapy helps to improve those limitations through exercise, stretching, scar management, and education.

Bridget Johnson is a physical therapist at Ogle County Physical Therapy. “Helping women return to work, sport, or other recreational activities is a rewarding part of the process”, Johnson says, “As a physical therapist, I am able to assist with restoring movement, strength, and function, but also confidence and well-being.” OSTI physical therapists like Bridget work hard to ensure that survivors enjoy the highest quality of life. In the process, they change lives and live out OSTI’s tagline, “Local Experts. Better Care.”

In addition to helping local women regain confidence and function, OSTI is making a global impact by bringing awareness to the work of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation as they work to prevent and cure breast cancer by promoting the world’s most promising research.

Click below to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation! Every little bit helps!